Keystone Jacks: Everything you need to know to create an optimal network

What are keystone jacks?

Keystone jacks serve as the link between permanent cabling and patch cabling. On one side, they are terminated with fixed cabling; on the other side, they feature an RJ45 port, the same type found on laptops and switches, allowing easy connection of a patch cable. These jacks are an essential component of any network, from home setups to complex enterprise infrastructures. Thanks to their modular design, keystone jacks fit into wall outlets, faceplates, and patch panels, and can be easily replaced or upgraded.

Couplers in keystone jack form factor

In addition to keystone jacks, ACT also offers other products that fit into the universal keystone opening, such as couplers for fiber optic, USB, and HDMI connections. This allows you to combine different signal types within a single wall outlet or patch panel, without compromising on clarity or finish.

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What are keystone jacks used for?

Keystone jacks are used in a wide range of network environments, such as:
  • Office environments
  • Business and data center networks
  • Home networks
In all these applications, both permanent and patch cabling are used, and are keystone jacks crucial for reliably connecting the entire network.

Advantages of Keystone Jacks

A well-chosen keystone jack makes the network not only technically reliable but also practically manageable. The key benefits of keystone jacks include:

• Modular and flexible: Easy to replace or upgrade without modifying the entire panel or wall outlet.
• Easy installation: Available in toolless or punch-down versions.
• Standard compatibility: Fit into universal keystone openings, patch panels, and wall outlets.
• Professional finish: Clean and secure network termination.

Key considerations when choosing keystone jacks

1.    Network Cable Category

The category of the network cable determines performance. Choose a keystone jack that matches the used cable:
Download here the table for choosing the right keystone jack for your CAT cable.

2. Shielded or unshielded

Depending on the environment, you choose either shielded or unshielded keystone jacks.

Note: When using shielded cables, the entire chain (patch cable, keystone jack, and patch panel) must be shielded.

Unshielded (UTP)

  • Suitable for network connections in an office environment with high levels of electromagnetic interference
  • Cost-effective

Shielded (STP/FTP)

  • Recommended for high-demand networks and industrial environments
  • Reduces interference and crosstalk

3. Installation method

How you connect the keystone jack depends on your preference and the type of installation.
  • Toolless keystone jacks: Can be installed without tools, quick and efficient.
  • Punch-down keystone jacks: Require a punch-down tool.

4. Other factors

There are a few other important considerations when selecting a keystone jack:
  • Size: Pay attention to compatibility with 48-port high-density patch panels. High-density panels are panels that accommodate 48 connections in a single rack unit. It is important that the keystone jacks are compact enough to fit side by side.
 For more information about compatible keystone jacks, for example, the 48-port high-density patch panel (PP1031), visit: Patch panel 48-port keystone unloaded 19" 1U high density 
  • Termination angle of fixed cabling: Straight or angled, depending on available space.
  • Color coding: Keystone jacks are usually marked with T568A/B indicators to ensure correct wiring of the cable pairs. In Europe, T568B is the standard.
  • Shuttered keystone jacks: Protection against dust and dirt, ideal for public or industrial environments.

Future-proof and secure: PoE & shuttered keystone jacks

Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows devices such as IP cameras or access points to receive both power and data through a single cable. ACT offers keystone jacks that support PoE++ up to 100W, making them ideal for modern network applications and future expansions.
For added protection, shuttered keystone jacks are available, such as:These models are both shuttered and compatible with 100W PoE++, making them perfectly suited for professional network environments where reliability and durability are critical. Using shuttered keystone jacks prevents dust intrusion and protects the contacts when not in use.

all about power over ethernet

ACT keystone jacks: Reliability in every category

ACT offers a complete range of keystone jacks across various categories (Cat5e to Cat8), with options for shielded and unshielded installations. Thanks to this wide selection, there is a suitable solution for every situation.

view the full range here

Conclusion: Choosing the right keystone jack

When selecting a keystone jack, these are the key steps:
  1. Determine the required bandwidth and network speed, and choose the corresponding category (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, or Cat8)
  2. Choose between shielded or unshielded, depending on the environment
  3. Select the preferred installation method (toolless or punch-down)
  4. Consider special features such as PoE support, compatibility with high-density panels, and shuttered design
With ACT Connectivity keystone jacks, you are guaranteed a professional, reliable, and future-proof network solution.